Method and apparatus for initiating communication modes

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving, by a system comprising a processor, a first request to transition a communication device between a hearing mode and a teletype mode, and transmitting, by the system, a SIP command to a telecommunication network to switch between registration and deregistration of the communication, where the SIP command is transmitted responsive to expiration of a period for disabling switching between the registration and the deregistration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/332,969 filed Jul. 16, 2014 by Mohamed Khalil et al., entitled“Method and Apparatus for Initiating Communication Modes.” All sectionsof the aforementioned application(s) are incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for initiatingcommunication modes, and, more particularly, for transitioningcommunication device between hearing and teletype modes.

BACKGROUND

Modern telecommunications systems allow consumers to utilize telephonycapabilities while accessing a large variety of content. Consumers areno longer bound to specific locations when communicating with others orwhen enjoying content, including video programming. Network capabilitieshave expanded and have created additional interconnections and newopportunities for using mobile communication devices in a variety ofsituations. Intelligent devices offer new means for the enjoyment ofnetwork interactions in ways that anticipate consumer desires.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts illustrative embodiments of a system that can be utilizedfor providing teletype communication services;

FIGS. 2A-2B depict illustrative embodiments of message sequence chartsfor normal and abnormal system registration transitions between hearingmode and teletype mode for a communication device;

FIGS. 3-8 depict illustrative embodiments of methods used in portions ofthe system described in FIGS. 1 and 9-10;

FIGS. 9-10 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide communication and media services for communication devicesaccording to embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems of FIGS. 1 and 9-10;

FIG. 12 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device;and

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for reliably transitioning communication devices betweenhearing and teletype modes in a telecommunication system. A request fortransitioning between hearing and teletype modes can be received at acommunication device. Processing of the request can be delayed for aperiod of time to ensure that the prior registration process between thecommunication device and the telecommunication system has completedbefore initiating a new registration process based on the request.Methods for preventing multiple registration processing attempts can beimplemented at the communication device or at the telecommunicationsystem.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a communication devicecomprising a memory to store executable instructions and a processor.The processor, responsive to executing the executable instructions, canperform operations including receiving an input from a user interfacerequesting a transition from a hearing mode to a teletype mode. Theprocessor can also perform operations comprising generating a firstsession initiation protocol (SIP) command for switching fromregistration to deregistration of the communication device at atelecommunication network responsive to the input. The first SIP commandcan initiate deregistration of the communication device whentransitioning from the hearing mode to the teletype mode. The processorcan also perform operations comprising determining whether a disableregistration period has been started and, in turn, initiating thedisable registration period responsive to the disable registrationperiod not having been started. The processor can further performoperations comprising determining whether the disable registrationperiod has expired responsive to the disable registration period havingbeen started. The processor can further perform operations comprisingtransmitting the first SIP registration command as a first request tothe telecommunication network to switch from the registration to thederegistration of the communication device responsive to the disableregistration period having expired. The processor can also performoperations comprising transitioning from the hearing mode to theteletype mode according to a response from the telecommunicationnetwork.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a computer-readablestorage device, comprising executable instructions. The executableinstructions can cause a processor to perform operations comprisingreceiving from a communication device a first SIP command comprising afirst request for a first switch between registration and deregistrationof the communication device at a telecommunication network. Theexecutable instructions can further cause the processor to performoperations comprising transmitting to the communication device a secondSIP command requesting authentication responsive to the first request.The executable instructions can also cause the processor to performoperations comprising receiving from the communication device a thirdSIP command responsive to the second SIP command. The executableinstructions can cause a processor to perform operations comprisingdetermining whether the third SIP command comprises a second request fora second switch between the registration and the deregistration of thecommunication device and, in turn, determining whether the secondrequest is received before completion of the first switch. Theexecutable instructions can cause a processor to perform operationscomprising transmitting to the communication device a fourth SIP commandcomprising a first disabling of further attempts to switch between theregistration and the deregistration of the communication deviceresponsive to receiving the second request before completion of thefirst switch, wherein the first disabling comprises a first expirationtime.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method includingreceiving, by a system comprising a processor, a first request totransition a communication device between a hearing mode and a teletypemode. The method can also include transmitting, by the system, a SIPcommand to a telecommunication network to switch between registrationand deregistration of the communication. The SIP command can betransmitted responsive to expiration of a period for disabling switchingbetween the registration and the deregistration.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 100 that can beutilized for providing telecommunication services for the deaf, hard ofhearing, and/or the speech impaired. In one or more embodiments, thesystem 100 can include a communication network 150. The system 100 caninclude a subscription telecommunication service, such as an InternetProtocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network 150 for providing landlineor cellular/mobile telecommunications, Internet access, and content toconsumers. The telecommunication services of the system 100 and the IMSnetwork 150 can be accessed using a variety of communication devices andconnectivity schemes. In one embodiment, an accessory teletype (TTY)device 124 can be coupled to a mobile communication device 116 such thatthe TTY accessory device 124 can accesses the IMS network 150 via amobility network of mobile base stations 117. In one embodiment, adirect TTY device 128 can be coupled to the IMS network 150 via alandline. In one embodiment, a computer device 118 can operate or host aTTY software application, where the computer device 118 can access theIMS network via an internal modem or an external modem 144 and alandline. In one embodiment, a mobile TTY device 132 can be used in avehicle 140. The mobile TTY device 132 can communicate wirelessly, suchas through a Bluetooth connection, to a cell connection device 136 inthe vehicle 135. In one embodiment, the cell connection device 136 canbe in the form of a mirror which can include an integrated mobile cellphone for communicating wirelessly with a mobility network of mobilebase stations 117.

In one or more embodiments, the TTY capable devices 118, 124, 128, and132 provide a text-based system to allow deaf, hard of hearing, and/orthe speech impaired users to communicate among themselves and/or withhearing individuals. A TTY device 124 is a teleprinter, or electronicdevice for text communication over a telephone line. A person with ahearing or speech difficulty can use the TTY device 124 to place a callto another person with a TTY device 124 and/or to another person and anon-TTY device, such as a cell phone 116 or a landline phone. Once a TTYcall is initiated over the IMS network 150, whether via a landline or amobility network 117, this hearing and or speech impaired person cancommunicate via a keyboard or keypad entry and a display at the TTYdevice 124. If a first user of a TTY device 124 is communicating with asecond user, who is also using the TTY device, then the communicationsbetween the two users can be entirely via text that is entered at thekeyboard and presented at the display. In another embodiment, a hearingand or speech impaired user at a TTY device 124 can communicate with anon-impaired user, who is using a non-TTY device. In one embodiment, theuser of the TTY device 124 can place the call via a TTY communicationassistance system 135, where a live operator can answer the call andprovide text to voice and/or voice to text translation services to allowthe hearing and/or speech impaired user at the TTY device 124 tocommunicate with a non-hearing impaired user at a non-TTY device. Thenon-hearing impaired user can engage in a speech and/or hearing basedcall session while the hearing and/or speech impaired caller can engagein a text only call session. In another embodiment, the user of the TTYdevice 124 can use text for outgoing information but receive audio forincoming information. This would be the case where the user of the TTYdevice 124 is speech impaired but not hearing impaired. Similarly, theTTY device 124 can be used to send speech audio but to receive text aswould be the case if the user is hearing impaired but not speechimpaired. In various embodiments, the functions of the TTY communicationassistance system can be performed via a human operator, a text to voicecomputer system, a voice to text computers system, and/or anycombination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the TTY device 118, 124, 128, and 132 canshare a connective channel to the IMS network with a hearing onlydevice. For example a landline-based TTY modem device 128 can share alandline associated with a specific telephone number with a landlinetelephone and 148. In another example, a mobile device 116 can be usedto provide audio calling communications in a hearing mode via a cellularcommunication channel associated with a specific telephone number. Thissame cellular communication channel and telephone number can be used asa communication channel for TTY communications for a peripheral TTYdevice 124 that connects to the IMS network 150 via the mobile device116 and the mobility network 117. Similarly, a TTY vehicle device 132can share a cellular communication channel and telephone number with acell communication device 136, such as a mirror that includes anintegrated cellular communication device.

In one or more embodiments, where a cellular communication device, suchas the cell connection device 136 or the mobile device 116, provides acommunications link from a TTY device one 124 or 132 to the IMS network150, then the cellular communication device can include a means forindicating to the IMS network 150 whether a call is a hearing mode callor a TTY mode call. If for example a mobile device 116 is operating in ahearing mode, then the mobile device 116 can encode speech content thatis received at a microphone of the mobile device 116 into an audiostream that can be transmitted over the mobility network 117 and the IMSnetwork 150 to a remote device. Similarly, speech content from theremote device can be received at the mobile device 116 as encoded speechcontent that, in turn, can be decoded into speech content forreproduction at a speaker of the mobile device 116. By contrast, a TTYdevice 124 can convert inputted text into audio tones that can representtext values and can receive audio towns that represent text values froma remote TTY device. In one embodiment, text transmitted and/or receivedat a TTY device 124 can be encoded for transmission via the mobilitynetwork 117 and the IMS network 150.

In one or more embodiments, for TTY-based communication to operatecorrectly, the IMS network 150 can handle a hearing mode calldifferently than a TTY mode call. In order to immediately handle hearingmode calls, which make up the vast majority of mobile communicationcalls, the IMS network 150 can register mobile communication devices,such as the call connection device 136 or the mobile device 116, whichare associated with a telephone number as activated for hearing mode(audio) calls. By registering a mobile device 116, the IMS network 150can set aside system resources for immediate connection of the mobiledevice 116 to an initiated voice call. Conversely, the IMS network 150can deregister a mobile communication channel and telephone number fromthe IMS network 150 to indicate that the mobile communications channeland the telephone number are activated for TTY mode (text) calls.

FIGS. 2A-2B depict illustrative embodiments of message sequence chartsfor normal and abnormal system registration transitions between hearingmode and teletype mode for a communication device. Referringparticularly to FIG. 2A, an embodiment of a normal transition betweenhearing mode and teletype mode is illustrated. A user equipment (UE)device, such as a mobile device 116, can first enable hearing mode. Forexample, upon power up of the mobile device 116, the UE device 116 cansend (at step (1)) a SIP message to the IMS Network 150. Moreparticularly, the mobile device 116 can send a SIP REGISTRATION messageto a Proxy-Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) server 130 of the IMSNetwork 150. The P-CSCF server 130 can receive the SIP REGISTRATIONmessage and, in turn, respond with a SIP 401 message at step (2). TheSIP 401 message is a standard error response that indicates that asending UE device 116 has requested a registration but has not providedauthentication information. In response, the UE device 116 can respondto the P-CSCF server 130 a SIP 401 message by sending a second SIPREGISTRATION message at step (3), where the second SIP REGISTRATIONincludes authentication information that can be used by the P-CSCFserver 130 to authenticate the UE device 116 for registration on the IMSsystem 150 as a hearing mode device. Upon receiving valid authenticatinginformation at step (3), the P-CSCF server 130 can query a database,such as a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to confirm that the UE device 116is authorized for registration at the IMS network. At step (4) theP-CSCF server 130 can respond by registering the UE device 116 and, inturn, sending an “ok” message to the UE device 116. Registration of theUE device 130 can be completed by the P-CSCF server 130, and the UEdevice 116 can be ready for initiating and/or participating in hearingmode (speech and hearing enabled) call sessions.

At a later time (T₁) the UE device 116 can request entry into TTY mode.For example, a user can select TTY mode at the cell connection device136 to allow a locally linked TTY vehicle device 132 to communicatethrough the cell connection device 136 to enable in vehicle TTYcommunications through the mobility network 117 and the IMS network 150.In another example, a peripheral TTY device 124 can be connected to amobile device 116 for the purpose of providing TTY communicationsthrough the mobility network 117 and the IMS network 150 using themobile device 116. In each case, to use the cell connection device 136or the mobile device 116 as a connection point into the IMS network 150for TTY services, the user can select TTY mode operation at cellconnection device 136 or the mobile device 116. Selection of the TTYmode at a UE device 116 can cause the UE device 116 to send a SIPREGISTRATION message to the P-CSCF server 130 at step (5). The SIPREGISTRATION message associated with enabling the TTY mode can includeheader information to indicate that the UE device 116 is requestingderegistration from the IMS network 150. For example the SIPREGISTRATION message can include and “expire=0” header to indicate arequest for the registration. In the normal registration scenario, thederegistration request is received at a point in time T₁ after theregistration request associated with enabling the hearing mode has beencompleted. The P-CSCF server 130 can respond to the deregistrationrequest by accepting the requested deregistering of the UE device 116and sending an “ok” message to the UE device 116 confirming thederegistration at step (6).

Referring particularly to FIG. 2B, an embodiment of an abnormaltransition between hearing mode and teletype mode is illustrated. Inthis example, the first two steps of a normal registration for hearingmode for a client UE device occur in steps (1) and (2). However, at step(3) the UE device 116 can send a deregistration request to the P-CSCFserver 130 at a point in the registration process when the P-CSCF server130 can logically expect the UE device 116 to send authorizationinformation. At step (4) the P-CSCF server 130 can respond with a SIP403 message indicating the reception of a forbidden request.Unfortunately, in the context of a registration process, thetransmission of a SIP 403 message can cause the UE device 116 to bepermanently disabled from registration. Further attempts by the UEdevice 116 to register and/or deregister with the IMS network 150 can beineffective due to the permanent disabling caused by the SIP 403message.

FIGS. 3-9 depict illustrative embodiments of methods used in portions ofthe system described in FIGS. 1 and 4-5. In particular, FIG. 3 showsillustrative embodiments of a method 300 for presenting permanentdisabling of a UE device 116 by the IMS network 130 due to prematureregistration and/or deregistration of the UE device 116 prior tocompletion of an in-process registration and/or deregistration. At step304, the UE device 116 can wait and/or monitor for a TTY button to beselected or pressed at the UE device 116. The TTY button can be afunction that can be selected at the UE device 116, a function of the UEdevice 116 that can automatically execute when the TTY device 124 iscommunicatively coupled to the UE device 116, or a combination of each.If at step 308 the UE device 116 detects a push of a TTY button, or anequivalent selection, then the UE device 116 can generate a SIPregistration command in response to the TTL button push at step 312.

At step 316, the UE device 116 can determine whether a deactivationtimer is ON. In one embodiment, the UE device 116 turns OFF thedeactivation timer after the UE device 116 initiates aderegistration/registration process with the P-CSCF server 130 forenabling/disabling TTY mode. If the TTY button is selected at the UEdevice 116, as detected at step 308, will cause the deactivation timerto first be detected as OFF at step 316 and then to be turned ON at step320. At step 324, the UE device 116 can monitor for expiration of thedeactivation timer. If the deactivation timer has not expired, then theUE device 116 can return to steps 304 and 308 to continue monitoring foradditional selections or pushes of the TTY button (either attempts toactivate or to deactivate). If the deactivation timer has expired, thenthe UE device can begin the registration process at 328 by sending a SIPRegistration command to the IMS System 150 and/or the P-CSCF server 130.

In one embodiment, the deactivation timer can comprise software designedto create a timing delay. For example, the deactivation timer can be acounter or a timer or a delay element or a combination of any thereof.In one embodiment, the deactivation timer can delay beginning of anyregistration process in response to a TTY button press or selection fora minimum time as defined by a setting of the deactivation timer. Forexample, if the deactivation timer is set for a ten second delay, thenthe deactivation timer can delay sending of the SIP Registration commandto the P-CSCF server 130 for ten seconds after the last timer startingevent. The deactivation timer can be started any time a user selects theTTY button and the deactivation timer is not already running from aprior TTY button selection. The method can eliminate premature attemptsto register or deregister a UE device 116 prior to completion of a priorregistration/deregistration. In one embodiment, the UE device 116 cangenerate a new SIP registration command the first time that the TTYbutton is selected and send this command to the P-CSCF server 130 whenthe deactivation timer has expired. However, subsequent selections ofthe TTY button will not result in the generation of additional SIPregistration commands. In this respect, the method 300 simply ignoresany additional TTY button pushes during the deactivation timer period.In one embodiment, an indication is displayed at the UE device 116 toindicate that the TTY button is disabled. For example, a display colorfor the TTY button can be changed to indicate that switching the TTYmode is temporarily disabled.

Referring particularly to FIG. 4, an illustrated embodiment is shown amethod 400 operating in portions of the system described in FIGS. 1, 10,and 11. At step 404 the UE device 116 can wait for a TTY buttonselection or push or a determination at the UE device 116 that the userhas requested that the TTY mode be activated or deactivated. If the TTLbutton is pushed at step 408, then the UE device 116 can store the TTYbutton push as a command at step 412. In one embodiment, the method 400saves each the last TTY button push, while discarding all previous TTYbutton pushes. At step 416 the deactivation timer is checked to see ifit is ON and, if not, then the deactivation timer is started at step420. At step 424, the deactivation timer is checked for expiration. Ifthe deactivation timer has not yet expired, then the method 400 returnsto step 404 to wait for additional selections of the TTY button. The UEdevice 116 continues storing any additional selections of the TTYbutton, noting whether the user is requesting enabling or disabling TTYmode with the last of the user selections. When the deactivation timertimes out at step 424, the UE device 116 then generates a SIPRegistration command at step 428. The SIP Registration command is sentto the P-CSCF server 130 at step 432 to initiate theregistration/deregistration process with the IMS System 150.

In one or more embodiments, the deactivation timer can be set to aspecific deactivation time. The deactivation time can be selected toensure that any prior registration/deregistration process is completedbefore a new registration/deregistration process is initiated. Thedeactivation time can't be selected based upon theoretical and/or actualregistration/deregistration processing times for the IMS network 150.For example, data can be collected for registration/deregistrationprocessing over a variety of network conditions and UE device types.Average registration/deregistration process time can be calculated alongwith standard deviation. The deactivation time can be selected basedupon the average registration/deregistration process time. For examplethe deactivation time can be set for the average time plus standarddeviations. In another example the deactivation time can be set to theaverage time multiplied by a safety factor, such as two times theaverage time.

The methods 300 and 400 of FIGS. 3-4 are operated at the UE device 116and prevent permanent device deactivation due prematureregistration/deregistration without modification of the operations ofthe registration/deregistration process at the P-CSCF server 130. Bycontrast, FIGS. 5-8 show, via message sequence charts, illustrativeembodiments of methods for preventing permanent device deactivation dueto premature registration/deregistration by modifying operation of theregistration/deregistration process at the P-CSCF server 130. Referringparticularly to FIG. 5 and method 500, at steps (1) and (2), the UEdevice 116 sends a SIP Registration command to the P-CSCF server 130 toregister the UE device 116 with the IMS network 150. The UE device 116attempts to register to the IMS network 150 with hearing mode enabledand TTY mode disabled. The P-CSCF server 130 returns a SIP 401 messageto the UE device 116 indicating that the registration will not becompleted until authorization information is supplied to and verified bythe P-CSCF server 130. However, as in the exemplary abnormalregistration case of FIG. 2B, at step (3) the UE device 116 sends a SIPCommand to the P-CSCF server 130 with a header set to “expire=0”indicating a deregistration request, and this deregistration request issent at time T₂, which is before the initial registration request ofstep (1) has completed. In one embodiment, the P-CSCF server 130responds to the premature deregistration request at step (3) with a SIP403 message at step (4), which includes a header of “expire=T seconds”,where T is set to a number of seconds for which the P-CSCF server 130will disable the UE device 116 from registration. The altered version ofthe SIP 403 response causes the UE device 116 to be temporarilydeactivated from the IMS network 150. During the time period T, the UEdevice 116 is deactivated and cannot be used in the IMS network 150until the UE device 116 sends a new SIP Registration command requestingregistration to the IMS network 150 after the expiration of the timeperiod T. The method 500 enables the IMS network 152 temporarilydeactivate the UE device 116 in response to a prematureregistration/deregistration request without requiring modification ofthe operation of the UE device 116. If the time period T is set to 10seconds, then the UE device 116 is disabled from registration for 10seconds.

Referring particularly to FIG. 6, a method 600 issue own for the P-CSCFserver 130 to handle a premature registration/deregistration sequence.In response to a SIP Registration command with “expire=0”(deregistration) at step (3) that occurs prior to completion of aregistration initiated by steps (1) and (2), the P-CSCF server 130 cansend a SIP Revoke Device command with a header set to “expire=Tseconds.” In one or more embodiments, the SIP Revoke Device command canbe a variable disable device message. In one embodiment, the SIP RevokeDevice command will cause the UE device 116 to be disabled fromregistration for a period of T seconds. In one embodiment, if the headeris set to “expire=0,” then the UE device 116 can be reregisteredimmediately. In another embodiment, if the header is set to “expire=10,”then the UE device 116 can be reregistered in 10 seconds. In anotherembodiment, if the header is set to “expire=INF,” then the UE device 116is permanently disabled from the registration, and a phone call to theIMS network 150 administrator can be required for reregistering thedevice. In one embodiment, the SIP Revoke Device command is followed bya SIP 200 “ok” message and a SIP ACK message in steps (5) and (6).

Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 700 illustrates in one or moreembodiments a means for the IMS network 150 to notify the UE Device 116of transitions between device enabled and device disabled. In oneembodiment, a new notification us defined for the enabled or disabledstate of the UE Device 116 at the IMS Network 150. In one embodiment,the P-CSCF server 130 stores a state logging whether the P-CSCF serverwill currently allow registration of the UE device 116, in which casethe state is “DEVICE ENABLED,” or the P-CSCF server 130 has disabledregistration of the UE device 116, in which case the state is“DEVICE_DISABLED.” At step (1), the UE device 116 can send a SIPSUBSCRIBE message to the P-CSCF server 130 to request subscription tothe device enabled or disabled state. At step (2), the P-CSCF server 130can send a SIP 200 ok to acknowledge the subscription. At step (3), theP-CSCF server 130 can send a SIP NOTIFY message to the UE device 116,which can be acknowledged by the UE device 116 with a SIP 200 ok messageat step (4). In this case, the P-CSCF server 130 can notify the UEdevice 116 that registration of the UE device 116 has been disabled bythe P-CSCF server 130. At step (5), the P-CSCF server 130 can send adifferent SIP NOTIFY message to the UE device 116, which can beacknowledged by the UE device 116 with a SIP 200 ok message at step (6).In this case, the P-CSCF server 130 can notify the UE device 116 thatregistration of the UE device 116 has been enabled by the P-CSCF server130.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 8, one or more embodiments are shownin message sequence chart form. The method 800 of FIG. 8 implementsaltering the time T which the P-CSCF server 130 temporarily disablesregistration of the UE device 116 after a failed registrationinitiation. For example, in steps (1)-(4) the P-CSCF server 130 candisable subsequent registration of the UE device 116 for a period of Tseconds in response to the failed registration sequence. Subsequently,at steps (5)-(8) the P-CSCF server 130 can respond to another failedregistration sequence by altering the time period for disabling furtherregistrations to 2T. In steps (9)-(12) the P-CSCF server 130 can furtherrespond to another failed registration by setting the time period toINFINITY, which disables registration of the UE device 116 for anindefinite time period (until the P-CSCF server 130 sends a Revokemessage with “expire=0”). In one embodiment, the time period can bealtered according to exponential steps. In another embodiment, the timeperiod can be altered according to geometric steps. In anotherembodiment, the time period can be altered to a maximum time periodvalue without being set to infinity. The ability to progressivelyincrease the time period for disabling registration in response tomultiple failed registration attempts can protect the IMS network 150 asa fail-safe from service attacks.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 900 for delivering media content. The communication system 900can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system.Communication system 900 can be overlaid or operably coupled with thesystem of FIG. 1 as another representative embodiment of communicationsystem 100. The P-CSCF server 130, mobile communication device 116,computer device 118, and cell connection device 136 can be implementedwithin the communication system 900 for providing TTY services andtransitioning between registration and deregistration of communicationdevices for enabling hearing mode and TTY mode.

The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO) 910 withat least one super headend office server (SHS) 911 which receives mediacontent from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In thepresent context, media content can represent, for example, audiocontent, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games,virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof.The SHS server 911 can forward packets associated with the media contentto one or more video head-end servers (VHS) 914 via a network of videohead-end offices (VHO) 912 according to a multicast communicationprotocol.

The VHS 914 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an accessnetwork 918 to commercial and/or residential buildings 902 housing agateway 904 (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The accessnetwork 918 can represent a group of digital subscriber line accessmultiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service areainterface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links orcopper twisted pairs 919 to buildings 902. The gateway 904 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 906 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 908 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 907 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 904, the media processors 906, and media devices 908 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 906 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 929 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 9. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 900. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 915 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 931 coupled to thebuilding 902. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver931 can be transferred to the media processors 906 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 908. The media processors 906 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 932 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 933 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system900. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 933 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 930, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 932 towireline media devices 908 or wireless communication devices 916.

Communication system 900 can also provide for all or a portion of thecomputing devices 930 to function as a P-CSCF server 930. The P-CSCFserver 930 can use computing and communication technology to performfunction 962, which can include among other things, copying user profileinformation from the primary data repository 165 to the secondary datarepository 160, detecting modifications a first user profile informationat the secondary data repository 160, identifying usage events forcommunication devices 116 based on the modification of first userprofile, modifying a second user profile at the secondary datarepository according to the usage event, and replicating modificationsto user profiles from the secondary data repository to the primary datarepository according to an update policy 168. For instance, function 962of server 930 can be similar to the functions described for the P-CSCFserver 130 of FIG. 1 in accordance with methods 200-800. The mediaprocessors 906 and wireless communication devices 916 can be provisionedwith software functions 964 and 966, respectively, to utilize theservices of the P-CSCF server 930. For instance, functions 964 and 966of media processors 906 and wireless communication devices 916 can besimilar to the functions described for the communication devices 116 ofFIG. 1 in accordance with method 200-800.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 917 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system1000 employing IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture tofacilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switchedsystems. Communication system 1000 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith system 100 of FIG. 1 and communication system 900 of FIG. 9, asanother representative embodiment of communication systems 100 and 900.The P-CSCF server 130, mobile communication device 116, computer device118, cell communication device 136, TTY device 124, and TTY modem device128 can be implemented within the communication system 1000 forproviding TTY services and transitioning between registration andderegistration of communication devices for enabling hearing mode andTTY mode.

Communication system 1000 can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)1040, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 1030, and other networkelements of an IMS network 150. The IMS network 150 can establishcommunications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs) 1001,1002, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs 503, 1005, andcombinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)1020 coupled to a PSTN network 1060. The MGCF 1020 need not be used whena communication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. Acommunication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize theMGCF 1020.

IMS CDs 1001, 1002 can register with the IMS network 150 by contacting aProxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with aninterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a ServingCSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS 1040. To initiate acommunication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD 1001 can submita SIP INVITE message to an originating P-CSCF 1004 which communicateswith a corresponding originating S-CSCF 1006. The originating S-CSCF1006 can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or more applicationservers (ASs) 1017 that can provide a variety of services to IMSsubscribers.

For example, the application servers 1017 can be used to performoriginating call feature treatment functions on the calling party numberreceived by the originating S-CSCF 1006 in the SIP INVITE message.Originating treatment functions can include determining whether thecalling party number has international calling services, call IDblocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requestingspecial telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel callforwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initialfilter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, oneor more application servers may be invoked to provide various calloriginating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 1006 can submit queries to the ENUMsystem 1030 to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITEmessage to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminatingcommunication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by anInterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 1007 to submit a query to the HSS 1040 toidentify a terminating S-CSCF 1014 associated with a terminating IMS CDsuch as reference 1002. Once identified, the I-CSCF 1007 can submit theSIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF 1014. The terminatingS-CSCF 1014 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 130 associated withthe terminating CD 1002. The P-CSCF 130 may then signal the CD 1002 toestablish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services,thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voiceand/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various callterminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb,music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process issymmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 10 may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communicationsystem 1000 can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition,communication system 1000 can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs 1001,1002 with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system900 of FIG. 9.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD1003 or CD 1005 (in instances where the cellular phone only supportscircuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system 1030 can respondwith an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originatingS-CSCF 1006 to forward the call to the MGCF 1020 via a Breakout GatewayControl Function (BGCF) 1019. The MGCF 1020 can then initiate the callto the terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network 1060 to enable thecalling and called parties to engage in voice and/or datacommunications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 10 can operate aswireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 10 can becommunicatively coupled to a cellular base station 1021, a femtocell, aWiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) baseunit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establishcommunications with the IMS network 150 of FIG. 10. The cellular accessbase station 1021 can operate according to common wireless accessprotocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on.Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can beused by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly,multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used bythe CDs of FIG. 10.

Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice andpacket-switched data communications and thus may operate asIMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular basestation 1021 may communicate directly with the IMS network 150 as shownby the arrow connecting the cellular base station 1021 and the P-CSCF130.

Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component,or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software.Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF systemhaving one or more computers or servers, either centralized ordistributed, where each computer or server may be configured to performor provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionalitydescribed herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, otherfunctions, servers and computers described herein, including but notlimited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can beembodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers,either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may beconfigured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step,or functionality described herein in accordance with a respectivefunction, server, or computer.

The P-CSCF server 130 of FIG. 1 can be operably coupled to communicationsystem 1000 for purposes similar to those described above. P-CSCF server130 can perform function 1062 and thereby provide user profile servicesto the CDs 1001, 1002, 1003 and 1005 of FIG. 10. For example, CDs 1001,1002, 1003 and 1005, can be adapted with software to perform function1072 to utilize the services of the P-CSCF server 130 of FIG. 1 inaccordance with methods 200-800 of FIGS. 2-8. P-CSCF server 130 can bean integral part of the application server(s) 1017 performing function1074, which can be substantially similar to function 964 and adapted tothe operations of the IMS network 150.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and soon, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subjectdisclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that anyform of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commandsare terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may bedescribed in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3^(rd)Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some orall embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in partmodify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standardspublished and promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 11 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 1102 of acommunication system 1100. Communication system 1100 can be overlaid oroperably coupled with system 100 of FIG. 1, communication system 900,and/or communication system 1000 as another representative embodiment ofsystem 100 of FIG. 1, communication system 900, and/or communicationsystem 1000. The web portal 1102 can be used for managing services ofsystem 100 of FIG. 1 and communication systems 900-1000. A web page ofthe web portal 1102 can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)with an Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication devicesuch as those described in FIGS. 1 and 9-10. The web portal 1102 can beconfigured, for example, to access a media processor 906 and servicesmanaged thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video onDemand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or apersonal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings,etc.) stored at the media processor 906. The web portal 1102 can also beused for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioningInternet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

The web portal 1102 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications 962-966, and 1072-1074 to adapt these applicationsas may be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of system 100of FIG. 1 and communication systems 900-1000. For instance, users of theservices provided by the P-CSCF server 130 can log into their on-lineaccounts and provision the P-CSCF server 130 with a user profile that isupdated to the secondary data repository to enable communication withdevices described in FIGS. 1, 9, and 10. Service providers can log ontoan administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain thesystem 100 of FIG. 1 or P-CSCF server 130 for providing TTY services andtransitioning between registration and deregistration of communicationdevices for enabling hearing mode and TTY mode.

FIG. 12 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device1200. Communication device 1200 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIG. 1, and FIGS.4-5. Communication device 1200 in whole or in part can represent any ofthe communication devices described in FIGS. 1, 9, an 10 and can beconfigured to perform portions of methods 200-800 of FIGS. 2-8.

Communication device 1200 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 1202 (herein transceiver 1202), a user interface (UI) 1204,a power supply 1214, a location receiver 1216, a motion sensor 1218, anorientation sensor 1220, and a controller 1206 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 1202 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 1202 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 1204 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 1208with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse,or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communicationdevice 1200. The keypad 1208 can be an integral part of a housingassembly of the communication device 1200 or an independent deviceoperably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USBcable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. Thekeypad 1208 can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones,and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 1204 can furtherinclude a display 1210 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid CrystalDisplay), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable displaytechnology for conveying images to an end user of the communicationdevice 1200. In an embodiment where the display 1210 is touch-sensitive,a portion or all of the keypad 1208 can be presented by way of thedisplay 1210 with navigation features.

The display 1210 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 1200 can be adapted to present a user interfacewith graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 1210 can beequipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technologyto detect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 1210 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 1200 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 1204 can also include an audio system 1212 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 1212 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 1212 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI1204 can further include an image sensor 1213 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 1214 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 1200 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 1216 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 1200 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor1218 can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 1200 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 1220 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device1200 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 1200 can use the transceiver 1202 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 1206 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 1200.

Other components not shown in FIG. 12 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 1200 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 1206 of the communication device 1200.In yet another embodiment, the communication device 1200 can alsoinclude a factory default setting button positioned, for example, belowa small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device 1200 toforce the communication device 1200 to re-establish factory settings. Inthis embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen orpaper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default settingbutton. The communication device 1200 can also include a slot for addingor removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 1200 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 12. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 1200 can be adapted to perform the functions ofdevices of FIG. 1, the media processor 906, the media devices 908, orthe portable communication devices 916 of FIG. 9, as well as the IMS CDs1001-1002 and PSTN CDs 1003-1005 of FIG. 10. It will be appreciated thatthe communication device 1200 can also represent other devices that canoperate in systems of FIG. 1 and communication systems 900-1000 of FIGS.9-10 such as a gaming console and a media player.

The communication device 1200 shown in FIG. 12 or portions thereof canserve as a representation of one or more of the devices of system ofFIG. 1, communication system 900, and communication system 1000. Inaddition, the controller 1206 can be adapted in various embodiments toperform the functions 462-466 and 572-574, respectively, for providingTTY services and transitioning between registration and deregistrationof communication devices for enabling hearing mode and TTY mode.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. Other embodiments can be used in the subjectdisclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 1300 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above for providing TTY services and transitioningbetween registration and deregistration of communication devices forenabling hearing mode and TTY mode. One or more instances of the machinecan operate, for example, as the P-CSCF server 130, the media processor106, the mobile communication device 116, and/or the computer device 118and other devices of FIGS. 1, 9, and 10. In some embodiments, themachine may be connected (e.g., using a network 1326) to other machines.In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of aserver or a client user machine in a server-client user networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed)network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 1300 may include a processor (or controller) 1302(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 1304 and a static memory 1306, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 1308. The computer system 1300 mayfurther include a display unit 1310 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 1300may include an input device 1312 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 1314 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1316, a signal generationdevice 1318 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 1320. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units1310 controlled by two or more computer systems 1300. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 1310, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 1310.

The disk drive unit 1316 may include a tangible computer-readablestorage medium 1322 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions(e.g., software 1324) embodying any one or more of the methods orfunctions described herein, including those methods illustrated above.The instructions 1324 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 1304, the static memory 1306, and/or within theprocessor 1302 during execution thereof by the computer system 1300. Themain memory 1304 and the processor 1302 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. It is furthernoted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectlyby way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computingdevice.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 1322 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 1300.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments,features that are positively recited can also be excluded from theembodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. Thesteps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes ormethods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions describedwith respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performedalone or in combination with other steps or functions (from otherembodiments or from other steps that have not been described).

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication device comprising: a memory to store executable instructions; and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor, responsive to executing the executable instructions, performs operations comprising: receiving an input from a user interface requesting a transition from a hearing mode to a teletype mode; generating a first session initiation protocol (SIP) command for switching from registration to deregistration of the communication device at a telecommunication network responsive to the input and to an expiration of a first disable registration period, wherein the first SIP command initiates deregistration of the communication device when transitioning from the hearing mode to the teletype mode; determining whether a second disable registration period has been started; initiating the second disable registration period responsive to the second disable registration period not having been started, wherein the second disable registration period is based on a length of time required for the telecommunication network to switch between the registration and the deregistration of the communication device; determining whether the second disable registration period has expired responsive to the second disable registration period having been started; transmitting the first SIP registration command as a first request to the telecommunication network to switch from the registration to the deregistration of the communication device responsive to the second disable registration period having expired; and transitioning from the hearing mode to the teletype mode according to a response from the telecommunication network.
 2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: responsive to transitioning from hearing mode to teletype mode: initiating a communication link with a teletype device; and transmitting a call session request to the telecommunication network for initiating a call session with a second communication device conforming to the teletype mode.
 3. The communication device of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise initiating the first disable registration period, prior to the receiving of the input, responsive to a prior attempt to register the communication device.
 4. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the determining whether the second disable registration period has started is responsive to the generating of the first SIP command.
 5. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: responsive to transitioning from hearing mode to teletype mode: transmitting a first teletype communication to a teletype communication assistance system of the telecommunication network; and receiving a second teletype communication from the teletype communication assistance system.
 6. The communication device of claim 5, wherein the operations further comprise receiving the first teletype communication from a teletype device according to text captured at the teletype device.
 7. The communication device of claim 5, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving text at a user interface; and transmitting the first teletype communication to the teletype communication assistance system according to the text that is received.
 8. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the second disable registration period is generated according to one of a timer, a counter, or a combination thereof.
 9. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise storing a first indication of the input that is received for requesting the transition from the hearing mode to the teletype mode.
 10. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a second input from the user interface for requesting the transition from the hearing mode to the teletype mode, wherein the second input is received before the second disable registration period has expired; and storing a second indication of the second input for requesting the transition from the hearing mode to the teletype mode while discarding the first indication.
 11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage device comprising executable instructions which, responsive to being executed by a processor, facilitate performance of operations comprising: receiving an input from a user interface requesting a transition from a hearing mode to a teletype mode; generating a first session initiation protocol (SIP) command for switching from registration to deregistration of a communication device at a telecommunication network responsive to the input and responsive to an expiration of a first disable registration period, wherein the first SIP command initiates deregistration of the communication device when transitioning from the hearing mode to the teletype mode; determining whether a second disable registration period has been started responsive to the generating of the first SIP command; initiating the second disable registration period responsive to the second disable registration period not having been started; determining whether the second disable registration period has expired responsive to the second disable registration period having been started; transmitting the first SIP registration command as a first request to the telecommunication network to switch from the registration to the deregistration of the communication device responsive to the second disable registration period having expired; and transitioning from the hearing mode to the teletype mode according to a response from the telecommunication network.
 12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise storing a first indication of the input that is received for requesting the transition from the hearing mode to the teletype mode.
 13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving a second input from the user interface for requesting the transition from the hearing mode to the teletype mode, wherein the second input is received before the second disable registration period has expired; and storing a second indication of the second input for requesting the transition from the hearing mode to the teletype mode while discarding the first indication.
 14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise: responsive to transitioning from hearing mode to teletype mode: transmitting a first teletype communication to a teletype communication assistance system of the telecommunication network; and receiving a second teletype communication from the teletype communication assistance system.
 15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise receiving the first teletype communication from a teletype device according to text captured at the teletype device.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 14, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving text at a user interface; and transmitting the first teletype communication to the teletype communication assistance system according to the text that is received.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 11, wherein the first disable registration period is generated according to one of a timer, a counter, or a combination thereof.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage device of claim 11, wherein the second disable registration period is generated according to one of a timer, a counter, or a combination thereof.
 19. A method, comprising: receiving, by a system comprising a processor, an input from a user interface requesting a transition from a hearing mode to a teletype mode; storing, by the system, a first indication of the input that is received for requesting the transition from the hearing mode to the teletype mode; generating, by the system, a first session initiation protocol (SIP) command for switching from registration to deregistration of a communication device at a telecommunication network responsive to the input, wherein the first SIP command initiates deregistration of the communication device when transitioning from the hearing mode to the teletype mode; determining, by the system, whether a disable registration period has been started; initiating, by the system, the disable registration period responsive to the disable registration period not having been started, wherein the disable registration period is based on a length of time required for the telecommunication network to switch between the registration and the deregistration of the communication device; determining, by the system, whether the disable registration period has expired responsive to the disable registration period having been started; transmitting, by the system, the first SIP registration command as a first request to the telecommunication network to switch from the registration to the deregistration of the communication device responsive to the disable registration period having expired; and transitioning, by the system, from the hearing mode to the teletype mode according to a response from the telecommunication network.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the disable registration period is generated according to one of a timer, a counter, or a combination thereof. 